April 4, 2010

Yingge, the artistic town in the southwest of Taipei City belongs to the Taipei County. It is Taiwan’s ceramic landmark and the ceramic lovers’ paradise. Going through history, Yingge’s flame from its ceramic kilns has been burning for over 200 years. From one generation to the next, Yingge’s ceramic continues to shine as the stars!

We came to Yingge to visit the famous Pottery Street and Yingge Ceramic Museum by a 50 minute train ride from the Taipei Railroad Station. Although I am very interested in ceramic making, I have never had a chance to experience the process. However, the Yingge trip had given me a great taste of the pottery art and history!

Yingge was named by an eagle-shaped rock on the north side of the Yingge. The history of Yingge pottery began 200 years ago when Wu An from China moved to Yingge to become the first potter in Yingge, since the clay soil in Yingge is suitable for pottery making.

In the past, almost every resident was making pottery for living on the street. It had 800 pottery manufacturers during the peak time.

An old chimney is the landmark of Yingge called “Square Kiln. “Square Kiln” refers to the Kiln as a square room space. Following the landmark, we arrived at the Old Street, also named “Pottery Street”.

Yingge Old Street has been re-built with modern look. The street is full with pottery shops. This is the place to find the best quality “Made in Taiwan” potteries, ceramics art, and porcelains. The cost of the fine arts can be very expensive as well.

Some pottery stores also offer DIY activities for the kids and adults. The reservations are needed. I plan to participate in one of the activities for the next time visit.

We arrived at “Tunnel Kiln” which was built in the 60’s. It was well preserved. One of the ancient Kilns mass-produced ceramics in the past. It was a car pushing type of kiln consisting of preheating, firing and cooling zones. The red bricks on the wall could hold 1000 C fire heats. From the elderly memories, the workers’ white clothes worn at work would turn completely black after the work in the past.

Yingge Ceramics Museum is an eye-catching three-story steel framed glass building located on the other side of town. It’s about 15 minute walk from the Pottery Street. This museum was opened in 2000. I am very glad to finally see a museum like this to preserve all the valuable history, production, and use of ceramics of Taiwan’s. It also offers daily workshops for both adults and children and a DIY opportunity in the studio.

During the visit in November, 2009, the "Blue and White Ware Themed Competition" was exhibited on the first floor. Here are some contemporary delicate ceramic art from the exhibition.

We only had a half day visiting in Yingge town; however, if you plan to participate in the DIY activity either in the stores or in the museum, the whole day may be needed. Yingge ceramics history and art taste trip will definitely give a unique and special memory!

To Zhu, Lechu, and Dennis- I was attracted and amazed by the delicacy, quality, and creativity of each piece. There was a piece which I thought was very creative- a bathtub-like soup bowl with a spoon in human shape..I've always wanted to take the ceramics class in order to experience and to make my own product. The Yingge visit has motivated me to move forward to my goal~~ :)

Hi, Thanks for your message. There are many shops that offer DIY activities. They are all very good. I think you can pick the one you like when you get there. No reservation is needed. Wish you having lots of fun~